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President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urges the graduates of the Philippine Military Academy “Talang Dangal” Class of 2026 to remain steadfast in their loyalty to the Constitution and uphold the highest standards of integrity, honor, and discipline as they begin their service to the nation on May 16, 2026. (Courtesy: Presidential Communications Office)
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday reminded the graduating class of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to remain loyal to the Constitution and uphold integrity as they confront emerging security threats.
Speaking at the commencement exercises of the PMA “Talang Dangal” Class of 2026 at Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio, the President reminded the 207 graduates that their allegiance should not be tied to politics or personalities.
“As you take your oath today, remember that your loyalty is not to any political interest, not to any individual, nor any passing ideology… Your loyalty must always remain with the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines,” Mr. Marcos said.
The chief executive said the country’s security challenges now extend beyond traditional battlefields and include cyberspace attacks, disinformation campaigns, climate-related disasters, and efforts that erode public trust in institutions.
He said the government has begun modernizing the academy’s curriculum to prepare future military officers for both conventional and emerging threats.
While the curriculum reforms are expected to fully benefit the PMA Class of 2029, the President said this year’s cadets had already been introduced to subjects such as data science, Python foundations, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and unmanned systems.
He said military officers must possess not only technical competence but also the ability to distinguish truth from deception in an increasingly complex security environment.
“The true strength of a soldier will always be rooted in integrity, discipline, and honor,” Marcos said, reiterating the academy’s honor code and reminding graduates to “never lie, never cheat, never steal, and never tolerate those who do.”
“Silence in the face of wrongdoing is a betrayal of your values, a betrayal of your country, and a betrayal of the very principles that you have sworn to defend,” he added.
The President congratulated the graduating class, led by valedictorian Christine Kaye Demisana Librada, and praised the cadets for enduring years of rigorous military training and personal sacrifice.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia were among officials who attended the ceremony.
— Charles Dantes & Dexter A. See
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